I look down as blood drips from my fingers. Despite my protective gloves, the bowstring had cut into my fingers. My arms ache, my legs scream from the strain of continuous standing. Every muscle in my body protests for rest. I, however, cannot afford such a luxury. I need to continue to fire my arrows down at the attacking goblin horde.
I stand atop the wooden wall that protects my hometown of Eranea from the monster-infested forests and mountains across the plain. My remaining comrades and I must hold this wall for as long as possible. Civilians are still evacuating the city.
Thanks to our efforts the goblins had yet to breach the gate, but it is only a matter of time before they overwhelm it. The goblin horde numbers in the tens of thousands. The town guard and local militia only numbered two hundred at the start of the siege. Currently there are only around ninety of us left capable of fighting.
A single note from the horn signals the shift change for defenders. With how few of us there are left, this will likely be my final break. I nod at old man Rutger as he takes my place on the wall, too weary to exchange words. As I sit drinking my water, I remember the last conversation I had with my family.
~~~
"Big Brother, you are only twenty-one years old, you don't have to do this! Evacuate with us," my younger sister begged me.
"No, I cannot leave with you, Elise. Every minute I extend the fighting is a minute that Mother, you, and everyone else can escape further," I explained. "You are an adult now. You are fully capable of protecting yourself and Mother."
"Don't talk like you aren't going to survive this!" Elise cut me off.
"Elise, it is your brother's choice to stay and defend the city. You should not sully his courage," my mother chastised Elise.
"Promise me you'll come and find us in the Capital when this is over. I will never forgive you if you break this promise," my younger sister told me as I donned my helmet and headed out the door.
"I promise."
~~~
A large cracking sound stirs me from my memory. Two sharp notes sound from the signal horn. The gate is breached.
I immediately jump to my feet and rush down the wall, my body protesting every action. At the base of the wall, I am met with four goblins holding primitive stone and wooden weapons. I draw my sword and rush into battle.
Fighting goblins that are only half the size of a man is easy, however the dangerous part is when they gather in large numbers.
I fight for ten minutes, slaying goblins left and right as small wounds accumulate on my fatigued body.
Suddenly, a goblin behind me slashes the back of my leg. I fall to my knee, and another goblin stabs me through the right side of my chest, puncturing my lung. The pain is immense. My vision goes white for a second. I collapse to the ground unable to even continue moving.
As my head starts to fog from blood loss, my last thoughts turn to my family. Elise, I am sorry, I can't keep our promise. Take good care of Mother for me. You are an intelligent, strong girl, I know you will live a good life. I am sorry I will never again experience the taste of your beef stew. Goodbye, your older brother always loved you.
As a single tear rolls down the man's cheek, he breathes his last breath.
~~~
Several miles away, in the evacuation caravan, a tear escapes from Elise's eye. She doesn't know why, but she feels a great sense of loss.